Can you think of a species that you think is often overlooked and underappreciated? We asked this question to conservation organisations around the world for our Valentine’s Day #LoveSpecies campaign and have collated a list of almost 100 species. These species will be entered into a poll and you can vote for your favourite from February 1st.

These species may not be the cutest…

…cuddliest…

…most charismatic…

…handsome…

… or well-known…

…but they deserve our love too!

Starting February 1st, each species will be featured on our blog, with a plea from the conservation organisation that nominated it for why it should get your vote. Voting will also open on February 1st and you’ll be able to choose your favourite until February 14th so you’ve got plenty of time to read the blogs and decide which species deserves its moment in the limelight.

2015 saw Arkive go truly global. Over the year, we had visitors from over 240 countries and territories, with visits from over 80 different countries every day! We also went on the move, with around a quarter of all visitors viewing Arkive via mobile.

But what content did you love the most in 2015? Find out below…

1. Most watched video

Diving into the top spot as the most watched video on Arkive for the FIFTH year in a row is this osprey fishing. You can’t seem to get enough of its fishing prowess!

The second most watched video of 2015 was this king cobra predating upon an Indian cobra.

2. Most popular species

Sliding its way to the top spot in 2015 is the extremely colourful Common garter snake from North America.

3. Most read blog

Everybody loves a hero and this year, you loved our conservation heroes. 2015 saw the introduction of our new Conservation Heroes blog series featuring amazing individuals and groups from across the globe who dedicate their lives to the conservation of the natural world.

Dr. Laurie Marker, Cheetah Conservation Fund

4. Most popular topic page

In a year in which Cecil the lion featured in news headlines around the world and Discovery premiered the film Racing Extinction in more than 220 countries and territories on the same day, endangered species and their plight captured the hearts and minds of millions of people globally. Endangered species was also the most popular topic page on Arkive.

5. Most downloaded education resource

Our education resources reached over 8.5 million students around the world in 2015. Once again it was the topic of endangered species that seemed to capture the attention the most with our ‘What is an Endangered Species?’ education resource for 7-11 year olds being the most downloaded resource of 2015.

The newly discovered Brookesia micrachameleon is the smallest lizard to ever be described, with the juvenile being small enough to perch on the tip of a matchstick!

This is just one example of a species featured in ARKive’s newly-discovered topic page. Explore the page to find out about other recently described species, how these species were found and why discovering new species is so important.

Juvenile Brookesia micra perched on a matchstick

A newly discovered species may be a species that is completely new to science, or one which has previously been described but is found to be made up of two or more separate species. With estimates that there could be between 3 million and 100 million organisms existing on Earth, and only around 1.7 million having been classified, the vast majority of life on Earth has not yet been uncovered.

The wattled smoky honeyeater, discovered in 2005, was the first bird to be discovered in New Guinea since 1939

Discovering new species is very important, especially as many undiscovered species could become extinct before they are even identified. Describing and naming species is the first step towards protecting a species, as conservation strategies can then be put in to place.

The recently discovered kipunji is classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List

Here at ARKive, we are in a truly unique position in that we get to work with the world’s very best wildlife and environmental filmmakers and photographers. At this year’s Wildphotos we had the chance to catch up with a few of our most famous and respected ARKive media donors to learn what inspires them to do what they do and discover the stories behind their awe-inspiring images.

Last time we heard from esteemed photographers Tui De Roy and Patricio Robles Gil. Now discover what (or who) inspired three more of the world’s best wildlife photographers to pick up a camera and start taking photographs of the natural world.

Charlie Hamilton James

Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)

“I’ve been obsessed with kingfishers since I was a kid. I took up photography as a way of channelling that obsession. I then became very passionate about all forms of image making becoming a cameraman and photographer. Ultimately though it was the idea of spending a life watching animals in incredible places that inspired me.”

Mark Hamblin

Tawny owl (Strix aluco)

“My passion for wildlife began 35 years ago, when, aged 11 I started birdwatching with my father around our home in Warwickshire. I have been captivated by wildlife and wild places ever since. I first began photographing as a way of recording some of the species I was seeing but this quickly became my main interest after being enthralled by the more intimate experience of watching birds, and later other wildlife, at such close quarters from photographic hides.”

Laurie Campbell

Common otter (Lutra lutra)

“Having been fascinated by the natural world from a very young age, it wasn’t until my early teens that I first picked up a camera to document what I had taken the trouble to see whilst out exploring the countryside close to home. This was primarily to share with my family and friends. The thought of making a career out of it came later, but I was very determined.”

Christmas is the season to be jolly but it can also be a season of excess. Here are a few simple tips to help you reduce your Christmas carbon footprint this year, so that you can enjoy a more eco-friendly and sustainable holiday season.

Keep it Real

The unmistakable smell of fresh pine trees always conjures up images of festive cheer. Real Christmas trees are more eco-friendly than artificial ones, providing you take into account where they come from. For example, in Britain many Christmas tree growers are registered with the British Christmas Tree Growers’ Association, which means their trees are grown according to strict regulations. When it comes to buying your tree, local and organic is generally best. It’s also important to make sure it is a native fir – for the UK this would be a Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris).

Another tip is to buy trees with roots – that way the tree can be replanted and even reused next year. If this is not possible then try to recycle your tree. Many local councils run Christmas tree recycling schemes – check out ones in your area.

Snuggle Up

Before turning up the thermostat try wearing an extra layer, or curling up with a blanket. Keeping the curtains closed also keeps the heat in and saves energy. Take a tip from the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) which tucks its nose under its tail to keep warm.

Shop Local, Shop Organic

Buying your Christmas food locally not only saves you time and money, it also helps the environment. Buying locally reduces your carbon footprint and saves on the costs of packaging and transport. An organic turkey will have been reared in more humane conditions and be chemical-free.

Natural decor

Instead of artificial Christmas decorations, take a walk in a nearby forest and look for fallen pine cones and sprigs of holly, ivy and evergreen branches. All these natural decorations will biodegrade, so when you’re finished with them pop them on the compost. Not to mention you’ll have all that free storage space that Christmas decorations usually fill! Common holly (Ilex aquifolium) is widespread throughout Britain.

Comfort Shopping

It’s getting cold out there and Christmas traffic can be a nightmare: if you do have to leave the warmth of your home, taking public transport is one way you can be a little bit greener whilst avoiding the jams.

Eco gifts

Giving gifts at Christmas is a way to bond with loved ones. Buying thoughtful gifts made from recycled materials like rubber and plastic bags shows you are also thinking about the environment. This belted kingfisher (Megaceryl alcyon) knows exactly what gift to give.